Calaboose: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
calaboose
[ หkรฆl.ษหbuหs ]
prison cell
Calaboose refers to a small jail or prison, often used in a historical context. The term has its roots in the Spanish word 'calabozo', which means dungeon. Often associated with rural or temporary detentions, calabooses were commonly found in towns before the establishment of larger and more formal correctional facilities. They served as holding places for individuals awaiting trial or for law enforcement purposes. While the term is mostly archaic today, it may still appear in literary works or discussions about historical penal systems.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The old calaboose stood at the edge of town, long abandoned.
- After a night of rowdiness, the troublemakers found themselves thrown into the calaboose.
- In the 19th century, this calaboose was a common sight in frontier towns.
- He spent the night in the calaboose for disturbing the peace.
Translations
Translations of the word "calaboose" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cela
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Zelle
๐ฎ๐ฉ sel
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะปััะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ cela
๐ฏ๐ต ็ฌๆฟ
๐ซ๐ท cellule
๐ช๐ธ celda
๐น๐ท hรผcre
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ ๋ฐฉ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฒูุฒุงูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ cela
๐ธ๐ฐ cela
๐จ๐ณ ็ขๆฟ
๐ธ๐ฎ celica
๐ฎ๐ธ klefi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะปะตัะบะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ hรผcrษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ celda
Word origin
The word 'calaboose' has its origins in the Spanish term 'calabozo', which translates to 'dungeon' or 'prison'. The Spanish term itself is derived from Arabic 'qฤlลซb', meaning 'a place of confinement'. It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, primarily used in the context of American frontier towns. During this period, when law enforcement was minimal, calabooses served as temporary holding cells for those apprehended by local lawmen. Their construction was often simple, with basic bars and minimal amenities. Over time, as formal penitentiaries developed, the usage of the term declined, though it occasionally resurfaces in historical literature or colloquial expressions. The evolution of the word reflects broader changes in societal attitudes towards punishment and incarceration.